Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Isaiah Likely

Monday, January 6, 1:09 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught all seven of his targets for 63 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta played a large role in helping the Lions secure the NFC's top seed, both this weekend and over a greater stretch of games. In fact, over the final six weeks of the regular season, he ranked first among tight ends in fantasy points (tied with Trey McBride). It was impressive to watch the 23-year-old overcome a tough start to 2024 and finish the season as one of fantasy football's most productive, impactful tight ends. He should remain in the mid-range TE1 tier for 2025, and this season should serve as a reminder to fantasy managers that LaPorta is a top fantasy option regardless of whether his role in the Detroit offense takes a little while to develop.

Sunday, January 5, 10:17 AM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely moved into a bigger role partway through the game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday after Zay Flowers (knee) left the game. The 24-year-old finished with three catches for 38 yards on five targets but wasn't able to find the end zone. In his third season, Likely set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He has shown flashes of starting tight end abilities as he finished in the top 20 for fantasy points per game at the position, but remains behind Mark Andrews. He'll likely see some more opportunities during their first playoff game though with Flowers probably sidelined.